Published on Sunday, 20 July 2014
The regional court has struck down a charge against London Sayadaw U Oatara after reviewing his appeal for the unfair charge under Section 295 (a) of the Penal Code.
“The authorities will not invoke Section 295 (a) against the monk. The regional court accepted the appeal and there will be no legal action related to this section in Tarmwe Township Court,” said defence lawyer Nay La.
The charge, seen as a religious offence, was reportedly invoked under the direction of Mahana Phonegyis, government-backed monks of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, the ruling body for Buddhist monks.
Five monks, including the London Sayadaw, are standing trial for religious violations in connection with a monastery property.
London Sayadaw U Oatara said his counter charges against twenty Buddhist monks including Mahana Phonegyis have been rejected by Bahan Township Court on July 16. He said he would find an appeal at district and regional levels.
Four Buddhist monks on trial, U Panyarsar, U Thondarathiri, U Nandiya and U Tayzeinda will reportedly follow the Sayadaw’s lead to remove their charges under Section 295 (A).
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